Summary Report for:
17-2199.01 - Biochemical Engineers
Apply knowledge of biology, chemistry, and engineering to develop usable, tangible products. Solve problems related to materials, systems and processes that interact with humans, plants, animals, microorganisms, and biological materials.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Interests | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks
- Design or conduct follow-up experimentation, based on generated data, to meet established process objectives.
- Design or conduct studies to determine optimal conditions for cell growth, protein production, or protein and virus expression and recovery, using chromatography, separation, and filtration equipment, such as centrifuges and bioreactors.
- Design or direct bench or pilot production experiments to determine the scale of production methods that optimize product yield and minimize production costs.
- Develop methodologies for transferring procedures or biological processes from laboratories to commercial-scale manufacturing production.
- Devise scalable recovery, purification, or fermentation processes for producing proteins or other biological substances for human or animal therapeutic use, food production and processing, biofuels, or effluent treatment.
- Recommend process formulas, instrumentation, or equipment specifications, based on results of bench and pilot experimentation.
- Review existing manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for yield improvement or reduced process variation.
- Advise manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other production processes.
- Collaborate with manufacturing or quality assurance staff to prepare product specification and safety sheets, standard operating procedures, user manuals, or qualification and validation reports.
- Confer with research and manufacturing personnel to ensure the compatibility of design and production.
Interests
Interest code: IR
| Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. |
| Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. |
Work Values
| Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. |
| Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
| Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Engineers, All Other.
Employment data collected from Engineers, All Other.
Industry data collected from Engineers, All Other.
| Median wages (2008) | $42.58 hourly, $88,570 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 183,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 50,200 |
| Top industries (2008) |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Engineers
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.